80% of children under 7 years old suffer with Glue Ear at least once. It is particularly common amongst children between the ages of 2 and 6. Glue Ear or otitis media with effusion is when the middle ear fills with a sticky glue-like fluid instead of air. This then disturbs the vibrations in the eardrum which affects hearing.
Signs that your child has glue ear:
- Hearing loss
- asking people to repeat themselves or to have the TV volume turned up
- Ear ache
- Difficulty learning new words – limited vocabulary
- Speaking loudly
- Disruptive behaviour
- Appearing more tired and grumpy
- Sleep disturbance
The two main treatment options for Glue Ear are Grommets or a Hearing Aid. Please see more information about the insertion of Grommets and what to expect from the procedure on our website: https://www.theentclinic.co.uk/treatments/grommets/
If your child needs to see a specialist, we have weekly private clinics for children in Hastings and Eastbourne.
